Travel
This Is How Vacations Are Changing (And Where To Go), According To Skyscanner
Photo by Skyscanner
Travel
This Is How Vacations Are Changing (And Where To Go), According To Skyscanner
What will inspire your next vacation?
If you usually travel for escapism or historical charm, it's time to branch out. There are tons of destinations you've probably never heard of that are becoming popular thanks to bigger cultural trends we're seeing.
Skyscanner, a search engine designed to help you find the best travel deals, recently released its 2026 Travel Trends report based on search engine data and a Canadian-run survey.
According to Skyscanner CEO Bryan Batista, "...travel is about to get more personal than ever. Next year will see travellers choose destinations and build itineraries that feel less like an escape and more like an expression of self."
So, where is everyone heading?
What makes a trip "worth it"?
It comes down to three factors: price, purpose, and personal experience.
Price: Canadians are mindful of the cost of their vacations, spending carefully and, therefore, planning with greater purpose.
Purpose: Before you book, ask yourself why are you travelling and what is it you hope to get from the destination?
Personal experience: It's about curating an itinerary that feels like it's been tailor-made for you—not just the 'must-sees.'
With these intentions in mind, Canadians are headed on a few main types of trips.
5 Travel Trends for 2026
1. Glowmads
It's all about beauty! Experiencing local beauty culture, like going to a head spa in Korea, is one of the top growing trends Skyscanner is seeing right now. Travel planning and advice conversations within beauty subreddits have increased by 215 percent year over year, thanks, in part, to socials creating a community for beauty and skincare lovers to deep dive.
2. Shelf Discovery
Another growing trend—thanks to platforms like Instagram and TikTok—people are travelling to experience is local food culture—and we don't mean Michelin-rated restaurants. Convenience stores and snack retailers are becoming the destination. Think: nori-flavoured chips in Japan or spicy peanuts in Mexico. According to Skyscanner, 58 percent of Canadian travellers always or often visit local supermarkets abroad, making shelf-stable foods a huge part of many people's vacations.
3. Altitude Shift
We're so excited to see mountain destinations trending not just in snowy season, but year-round—and Canada is a great place to experience them! Hotel bookings using Skyscanner's “Room with a mountain view” filter are up 103 percent globally year-over-year, showing the trend isn't just about adrenaline-infused sports but scenic views and tranquillity too. In fact, 74 percent of travellers surveyed are considering or planning a mountain escape for summer or autumn 2026, when there's a greater opportunity to experience nature.
4. Bookbound
Nothing says 'relaxed' like reading a book on vacation. And while that's what many of us hope to achieve while away, there's a growing trend of people who are making it a priority. Whether it's retracing the steps of a beloved character or visiting the most beautiful bookshops and libraries, 48 percent of Skyscanner travellers have booked, or would consider, a trip inspired by literature.
5. Family Miles
Next year is the time to book that family trip you've always dreamt of! Skyscanner revealed there's a growing trend for Millennials and Gen Z to travel with their parents—and even grandparents. One of the big motivators—besides spending more time with the people you love—is cost-savings. Six people going on a trip is cheaper per person than two! According to travel psychologist Lee Chambers, "exploring together beyond the familiar four walls expands horizons and generates an authentic opportunity to share stories and memories across generations. A unique space for bonding in a busy, transactional world."
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